UAE Outward FDI Reaches Over $63 Billion in 2025, Diversifying Across Six Continents

The United Arab Emirates has significantly expanded its role as a global investor, with its outward foreign direct investment (FDI) reaching US$63.353 billion in 2025. This marks a substantial increase from US$55.560 billion in 2010, bringing the country’s total outward FDI stock to US$402.729 billion by the end of 2025, as reported by UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD).

Diversified Global Investment Strategy

UAE investments span a broad spectrum of strategic sectors across six continents, including energy, infrastructure, ports and logistics, technology, artificial intelligence, industry, real estate, financial services, and healthcare. This geographic and sectoral diversification is a cornerstone of the UAE's investment approach.

Key examples of this strategy include:

• North America: Accounts for 44% of Mubadala Investment Company’s portfolio, encompassing over 80 direct investments and US$170 billion in assets under management, primarily in technology, energy, and industry.
• Europe and Asia: Investments in these regions cover renewable energy, infrastructure, logistics, technology, industry, real estate, life sciences, and healthcare. Europe represents 15% of Mubadala's portfolio, while Asia-Pacific accounts for 13%.
• Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA): Demonstrates broad geographic diversification with its long-term strategic portfolio allocation ranging from 45% to 60% for North America, 15% to 30% for Europe, 10% to 20% for emerging markets, and 5% to 10% for developed Asia.
• Africa: The UAE has become the largest investor in Africa over the past four years, with investments in logistics, ports, energy, and infrastructure.

Driving International Expansion and Partnerships

UAE companies are actively expanding their international footprint. DP World operates in over 80 countries with more than 590 business units, while AD Ports Group manages 34 ports and terminals globally and has a commercial presence in 158 countries. This expansion highlights the prominent role of ports and logistics in the UAE’s global strategy.

Fahad Al Gergawi, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Trade, emphasised that the UAE's investment approach is founded on economic openness and fostering an environment that enables investors to use global opportunities. He also noted that Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreements (CEPAs) are instrumental in supporting two-way investment flows, further strengthening the UAE's international economic relationships.

Dawood Al Shezawi, Chairman of AIM Global Foundation, added that UAE investors, including sovereign wealth funds and family offices, are increasingly acting as partnership builders, providing expertise and networks alongside capital. Dr. Khaled Hanafy, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers, lauded the UAE as a leading investment model, successful in attracting inbound investment while strategically deploying its own capital into international markets.